Mbappe, Dembele Lead France’s Final 26-Man Squad for 2026 World Cup

PARIS – France national team coach Didier Deschamps has officially unveiled his 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, naming a formidable lineup led by Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele.

​The tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks the final chapter for Deschamps, who confirmed he will step down as Les Bleus manager following the conclusion of this edition.

​Despite a recent thigh injury that sidelined him during Real Madrid’s La Liga title run-in, Mbappe is expected to captain the side. He is joined by a revitalized Ousmane Dembele and a wave of young talent, including Manchester City’s breakout playmaker Rayan Cherki and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise.

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​The squad strikes a balance between youth and experience, with only four veterans—Mbappe, Dembele, Lucas Hernandez, and N’Golo Kante—remaining from the historic 2018 World Cup-winning team. Arsenal’s William Saliba is expected to lead the defensive line, while AC Milan’s Mike Maignan retains his spot as the undisputed number-one goalkeeper.

​Among the notable inclusions is PSG’s teen sensation Warren Zaire-Emery and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, who earned a spot following a prolific season in the Premier League.

​Full France Squad:

• ​Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes).
• ​Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).
• ​Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG).
• ​Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Man City), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Desire Doue (PSG), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan).